At Impact NW we are a nonprofit with a mission to prevent homelessness, because we believe in the fundamental right to a beautiful life. That of course means the stability and peace that come with basic human needs being met — a roof overhead, food on the table, and warmth in the winter. More importantly, it also means a life filled with opportunity and community support, especially for Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Immigrant, and Asian people.

What we seek is for you to share your skillset - as a person who is in line with our values, that act as our decision-making code and inform how we show up each day:

• See the beauty in people — We walk alongside our clients and each other to understand each human’s complexities and recognize the beauty of our shared experience.
• Promote peace — To us, that means a sense of justice and fairness that benefits the most people. When we help those that need it most, our community rises together.
• Find a way — Our work is challenging, but the responsibility ultimately lies with us. We are optimistic, resourceful, and tenacious when it comes to making a better future.
• Put people first — Systemic change requires the courage to do something different. We focus on what works, emphasizing the impact on human lives over theoretical pretenses.

Clackamas County Housing Program Specialist III

Programs:Permanent Supportive Housing / Rapid Rehousing / Eviction Prevention

Department: Housing Safety Net

Pay Rate: $23.07 - $23.57

Hours:40hours per week, non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY: The principal role of the housing specialist is to provide intensive community based social work services including coordination, advocacy, support and encouragement. Specific responsibilities include Housing First case management for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and/or housing instability. Specific duties include screening, intake, assessment, barrier removal, life skills training, property manager negotiation, habitability inspections, outreach, information and referral, and ongoing client supportive services. The primary working location for this position is Clackamas County, Oregon; however, geographic boundaries are subject to change.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a working knowledge of all program requirements, including eligibility, enrollment standards, and definitions.
• Conduct screening, intake and/or referral of internal and external requests for service.
• Provide progressive person-centered and strength-based engagement, assessment, and ongoing case management and supportive services using the principles of Assertive Engagement.
• Develop trauma informed client relationships that promote independence and encourage the unique strengths of each participant.
• Maintain a working knowledge of mental health, addiction recovery, disability, and social service resources in the metro area.
• Provide education regarding benefits (WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, veteran-specific benefits, SSD, SSI, Medicare, etc.) while ensuring that participants have control over their choice of service providers.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary service providers (eg. healthcare, wellness, addictions, mental health, employment, and social services).
• Provide housing search assistance and direct property management/landlord advocacy.
• Research and compile data on new resources; update current resource information on a regular basis and distribute information to both residents and staff.
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Meet client service standards set forth byProgramDirector/Manager regarding quantity, type and quality of services to be delivered to clients.
• Effectively communicate agency policy, mission, values, and decisions to program staff, collaborating organizations, and the community.
• Accept other work assignments as assigned by the Housing Director and/or Manager.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 2 years of successful housing navigation experience working with individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness access and maintain new housing opportunities.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work or related field is preferred but equivalent work/life experience may be substituted for education requirement.
• Experience in working with clients who identify having mental health, addiction/recovery, and other long-term disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work within a strength-based, client-centered, Housing First support service delivery model.
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member and support Impact NW’s mission.
• Sensitivity and ability to relate to people from diverse lifestyles and cultures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Possess good organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office computer programs.
• Ability to travel efficiently in urban and rural areas and between multiple counties.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history.
• Bilingual is preferred, but not required.
• Proof of COVID19 vaccination status.

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, extensive visual involvement.
• Orally communicate with others.

• Frequent travel required.
• May require some evening and/or weekend work.
• May be exposed to angry or distraught people.

JOBBENEFITS:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO and self-care leave)
• Employer paid healthcare
• 401k with employer matching contribution
• Flexible work schedule